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Tami Eveslage Original Teddy Bearsshouldn't we be featuring only work that DEMANDS "take me home!" ???
:P
The sticky side to that is, of course, that work which demands one person take it home might be very different from work which demands another person to take it home. I understand that you mean the work should be of the highest caliber, but even that is difficult to qualify as it has to do so much with taste. Variety is the key, and I disagree that this variety is missing from the bear magazines. Things do seem to go in waves and there are trends, but over the years I have seen a lot of different styles of bear in the mags.
Speaking of variety, it is what allows Karen O'Brian's beautiful Quiet Companions to reside within the same cover as funky character dolls made of tampons in the Spring 2007 Art Doll Quarterly.One of those two examples (bet you can guess which) does not even remotely demand me to take them home, or even to linger on the page (although I did read the article because I buy books for reading)
Ha! 
Point well taken. You're absolutely right; there's a huge distance between one person's aesthetic and the next, oftentimes. Good catch!
Yes, I was referencing that I think it's important to feature only high caliber (not necessarily expensive, award winning, tenured, or classically beautiful) work if we want bears to be taken seriously as both art and investment (especially the older pieces). I do believe it's likely quite do-able, to feature high-caliber work, still allowing for that variety of offerings you're mentioning, and allowing for differing tastes. I might not want a vintage bear, or an anime one, or a contemporary one, for example, but I can probably recognize, no matter what I'm looking at and what my tastes, when a bear is well made and clever and has a particular artist's or manufacturer's stamp or style... and when one does not. In case it was misunderstood, that was supposed to be my point. Not that we should exclude or judge based on a particular style or taste... but rather, that maybe we shouldn't INCLUDE just for the sake of being "inclusive", either, because that might actually shoot the magazine cause, and bear collecting/artistry, in the foot. And if I seemed to say that variety is lacking in bear magazines, that was an error on my part. Actually, I was implying the opposite; that maybe the magazines focus on showcasing too many bears, too shallowly, and that a shift to fewer bears, shown more deeply, might be a better "hook" to capture reader attention. But I dunno. As usual, I'm talking outta my butt.
Please remember, I'm speaking broadly and very open-mindedly about every magazine I've ever seen and at the same time, about none at all, no artist or bear at all, in particular. Just tossing ideas about in a brainstorming kind of way, wondering aloud whether being more selective might serve the purpose of making magazines more attractive/unique/interesting/insert appropriate adjective here, and people more likely to buy them.
As for Karen's bear sharing a cover with tampons... ummmm... have to say, I somehow missed that one. 
Back Road BearsYes, I was referencing that I think it's important to feature only high caliber (not necessarily expensive, award winning, tenured, or classically beautiful) work if we want bears to be taken seriously as both art and investment (especially the older pieces). I do believe it's likely quite do-able, to feature high-caliber work, still allowing for that variety of offerings you're mentioning, and allowing for differing tastes. I might not want a vintage bear, or an anime one, or a contemporary one, for example, but I can probably recognize, no matter what I'm looking at and what my tastes, when a bear is well made and clever and has a particular artist's or manufacturer's stamp or style... and when one does not. In case it was misunderstood, that was supposed to be my point. Not that we should exclude or judge based on a particular style or taste... but rather, that maybe we shouldn't INCLUDE just for the sake of being "inclusive", either, because that might actually shoot the magazine cause, and bear collecting/artistry, in the foot. And if I seemed to say that variety is lacking in bear magazines, that was an error on my part. Actually, I was implying the opposite; that maybe the magazines focus on showcasing too many bears, too shallowly, and that a shift to fewer bears, shown more deeply, might be a better "hook" to capture reader attention. But I dunno. As usual, I'm talking outta my butt.
Well, that's all pretty darn good talk for coming out of your butt, Shel! I agree with what you've said about quality, not style as a basis for inclusion in a magazine. It's that high quality work and in depth articles/interviews that make ADQ so... I dunno... riveting (sp?)! The paper, layout and design help as do the fantastic photos but the quality of the artist's work and info filled write ups that make a huge difference in the quality of the magazine!
Damn that Art Doll Quarterly!
BlondheartI am gonna toss out an idea Mindy's way...take it or leave it! What if you started doing a monthly column on alternative forms of teddy bear art. Like people who incorporate other mediums into their bears? I think if you did something like that not only would it be interesting to see the things people do, but it would also inspire people to try to do new things to get in the column. Perhaps that would help bring the bear to that higher level of true art where we are taken seriously as artists?
Look at Gingers junkyard fairies and boxes, or Karen O'Brien's use of other materials for limbs. Sher Masor used to make some fabulous things that were really unique and definitely more art than "toy." Or remember Janie Comito's beadwork on her miniatures. Maybe what we really need is a way to inspire each other to hop out of our comfort zone and try new things so we can grow. In doing so we would inspire new collectors and people to see just what we crazy artists are gonna pull out of our hat next!
(It's late and my brain is turned to tapioca after the day I have had so I hope I got my idea across clearly)
Newcastle, OntarioInteresting that so many of us enjoy ADQ and the Stampington magazines. We can't get all of them locally and I drive poor hubby crazy when we go on holidays to the U.S., haunting all of the big book stores until I grab everyone I can fine. They are such incredibly beautiful magazines. Shelli, I agree with you - I've been buying them for a few years and I wouldn't part with one or even lend them out, for that matter.
I must confess, even though I don't buy many bear magazines anymore and I would be hard pressed to find them if I went looking, I do have several years worth of old ones and I do leaf through them fairly often. It would be so cool to have maybe one special issue per year, where the magazine went all out and added extra features or upgraded photos - maybe at Christmas. If it increased sales as much as I think it would, maybe the publishers would take note and be willing to do it more often. Maybe we should print off the posts on this discussion and send them to the putlishers LOL!
hugs,
Brenda
Tami Eveslage Original Teddy BearsAs for Karen's bear sharing a cover with tampons... ummmm... have to say, I somehow missed that one.
Shelli, neither were on the cover both were within the cover, meaning in the same issue. Since I'm sure you have that issue, check out page 92, if you want to see them.
Teddy Bear and FriendsThank you, everyone, for the ideas -- I've cut and pasted them all, and once I finish my current marathon of events and deadlines, I'll give them a good look and see what might be feasible for next year. You've definitely got me thinking. I actually have someone working on a piece about workspaces already, and just talked to a prominent collector about photographing her home next year, so maybe we're more on the same wavelength than might be apparent.
I do have to agree with those who said that one person's "must-have" will be another's "um, no." It's hard to choose what goes in and what doesn't, because I don't always like a piece but might see value in it for someone else. It's a strange way of thinking. I usually only feature artists whose bears I've seen in person, because it's so easy to fake quality via good photography. Or, I check references three ways 'til Tuesday, trying to ensure that the work I admire is, in fact, original to the artist and as good in person as it is in photos.
Anyway, thanks again. I think I speak for my fellow editors around the world in saying I appreciate the support implicit in your desire to have better magazines that appeal to more people -- and I love the chance to pick your brains without having to convene a focus group and haul out the one-way glass!
Mindy
LuxembearsWhat an interesting thread. I have tried to read all the posts and I really cannot add to anything other than my support. I too would like to see bear art taken more seriously.
I have been in the bear biz for 8 years and to this day I still have to explain to people what bear art is. I don't like to say I am a "Teddy Bear Artist" but rather "Soft Sculpture Artist". I have had to train my husband to quit telling people I am a 'teddy bear artist'. Teddy bear sounds like a toy to those who are unfamiliar with our work. And we all know how serious this business is to us.
I think all of us are soft sculpture artists with bears often being the main subject. I would certainly like to see more focus on the art angle.
Mindy I think it's great that you come here listen to what so many of us think. It really shows that you are as serious about bear art as we are. Thank you so much for that. 
Great topic everyone, I don't have much to add, just to say I would love a quarterly! I love magazines and that would be a treasure?
Mindy: Just wondering for those of us not in the US that can't attend US shows, are there any other options for us to enable you to get the hands on you need to be a featured artist? Is there an option to send you in something for a hands on snuggle and evaluation?
Hugs,
Krista
OMG Judi I do the same thing, and hubby has finally stopped saying teddy bear!!! Not that there is anything wrong with teddy bear, but to the person not aware of teddy bear artist, their mind immediatly goes to the child play toys, that are drug around and played with, not an actual art form....now if we could figure out a way to "frame" our bears I wonder if that would help???
Hugs,
Krista
Mindy,
Thank you for your participation in this discussion and on this forum. It's great to know someone out there is listening at least. It's a huge start!! And truly, it is appreciated.
Warmest bear hugs, :hug:
Aleta
I totally agree with you Ellen!!! I find now when I enter contests I have to compete with myself as there is only one category I can enter....I hope that the big contest soon open up more categories.....From the first dog I made I now have to force myself to make a bear....It is like we who make animals other than bears are in limbo because we don't fit well into teddy magazines, and there isn't anything for soft sculpture animals....I have only been in one magazine, and it was one that does a feature monthly on artists who create animals other than bears, and I think that is awesome that they are recognizing this! But I submit things on a monthly basis to magazines and nothing since this one, the only thing I can think of is that they aren't bears??? But who knows...I will keep submitting.
Hugs,
Krista
Can I put in a slightly different perspective here? Whilst I really appreciate that we all strive to offer our craft as 'art', I'd like to point out that my craft has evolved from a passion for the original teddy bears, created since the early 1900's. I fell into the business of making and designing bears because of a love for teddy bears in their purest form. Yes, it is of course wonderful that we have been able to develop that genre and take it places hitherto unthought of, but please, let us consider the fact that magazines aren't purely for those of us already immersed in the bear world, they are a showcase for all things 'bear' and often the first glimpse into a unknown world for potential collectors. In fact, I have an early issue of the 'Teddy Bear Times' magazine to thank for my entire bear making career! I stumbled across a copy by chance and was drawn to it because of the picture of a beautiful traditional golden teddy bear on the front cover ...
Not everyone understands the teddy bear as art or its evolution, so magazines offer an opportunity to inform people from the roots up so to speak. Whilst I think it's wonderful to showcase the teddy bear as an evolved art form, please let's not overlook our proud heritage .. I am proud to make teddy bears and yes, to call them teddy bears, which after all, is what they are.
For me a good magazine takes into account a potentially broad readership; it isn't elitest and it offers everything from classic through to artistic, presented from many angles. It welcomes newcomers to the field as well as celebrating established works. That way, hopefully it can achieve as broad an appeal as possible and serve us all by generating as much interest in our subject matter as possible.
Teddy Bear and FriendsJust wondering for those of us not in the US that can't attend US shows, are there any other options for us to enable you to get the hands on you need to be a featured artist? Is there an option to send you in something for a hands on snuggle and evaluation?
You mean you don't want to get on a plane and bring your bears to lunch in Lancaster? After I looked at your bears, I'd take you to two teddy bear stores and a chocolate factory!
Seriously, I've been known to choose artists based on pictures -- Yvonne Andrew being an example. But I check references on those people -- how long have they been designing their own bears, who taught them, where do they sell, how is their workmanship. If there's something really distinctive, a technique or embellishment, is that unique to their work or did they learn it from someone else. If learned, how have they made it their own?
So, send me pictures -- preferably good pictures. I know you're not photographers, but it really helps to have decent images. Not fancy, softened, glowing, inscribed-with-messages images -- just good, focused, well-framed photos. Tell me how long you've been making bears, how you got started, something about yourself as an artist. Give me a glimpse at your passion for this art. And tell me who -- collector, show promoter, retailer -- has seen your bears in person and might be willing to talk about them.
The thing is, there are far more artists out there than pages to cover them, including mine and all the other magazines together. You both have to get the pictures in front of me (or another editor) and have the timing be right. I might not have space for you. Or, I might be working on a feature with an artist whose work has the same flavor as yours (traditional, dressed, anime, or whatever). Or, I might see potential in your work, so I'd rather not cover you now because I want to see where you go next. (I regret having covered Kelly Dean so early in his career, because his work now is much better.) I tend to put artists who have been covered recently in Review at the bottom of my list, out of respect for collectors who get both magazines. Or, it might just not be right for me, right now, for some nebulous reason I can't really explain.
More than anything, I'm looking for the "wow" factor. Lots of people make nice, well-made bears with interesting clothes or accessories. I want to feature the artists who are making bears that stop me in my tracks, either literally or mentally. Something has to make me want to share this bear and this artist with my 12,000 closest friends, and spend several hundred dollars on an author and photographer to do so. I'm making an investment, and I have to be pretty sure that there will be a return -- at the very least, happy collectors who look forward to seeing what I have to share next month.
So, pictures and timing. Go to shows when you can. And if you're ever in the neighborhood, come to lunch. Really. Janet Wilson will vouch that I make a very good red pepper soup.
Mindy
Thanks Mindy, I will for sure keep submitting, but I think my biggest problem right now is my photos...my little digital just doesn't cut it!! Hubby is promising me a SLR...but we will see! I just worry about submitting too much...you say about three creations a month, so don't want to overwhelm anyone with too many at one time but I am finding each one is better than the next in my eyes, so I do worry about wasting my 3 a month and then making something that I really want to submit but don't want to over load editors inboxes.
Hugs,
Krista
Posts: 1,836Ok, total newbie to this, so excuse me if I ask a totally stupid question. But is an "art doll" different from an artisan doll or a soft sculptural doll ? Meaning does calling something an "art doll" mean it's more...funky, experimental, off the wall....pushing the envelope, more than say an artisan doll by I don't know: Maggie Iacono?? Was there a branching off within the doll world?
Mabe it's our own perception of what we do and what "art" should look like (on paper) that's really the underlying current?? Personally, I'm more traditional in my tastes so I can look at a childrens' quilt from 1940 and see the "art" in it...it doesn't have to be the modern quilt of today with outrageous colors, shapes, forms, and lack of traditional pattern for me to appreciate it as art. Same goes for the bears. Give me a simple bear of the utmost design and quality and I see a timeless art....the extreme stuff just looks like somethings trying too hard (to me personally, that's my thing.....no throwing stuff at me "neither! 
) I would still appreciate the envelope pushing articles, read them to stay current/educated within the industry, but I would like to see balance in any publication... unless a publication was deemed only for "art_____" and geared towards the extreme factor (if that's what "art____" means)
I really like the collector photo idea! And the artfully arranged idea is awesome, as it applies to all styles, shapes and sizes. I think getting more collector input is key as well, only because what an artist wants from an art form can be totally different from what the collector wants.
My folks are on a business trip right now with a large group of people who have never heard of bear artists or realized the art form was out there. My mom took a huge chunk of my business cards with her, handed them out and even opened up a laptop to share my site and a few others. These people were amazed and SO impressed with it all. I think it's the way we ourselves present the art and ourselves as artists. Bear Artist can be a really cool thing to say out loud Sanitation engineer still has to explain his job 
I don't like to use "soft sculptural artist" because in it's true definition and roots it doesn't fit what I do, from an art history point. Plus when I was growing up soft sculpture was a pantyhose doll we made for fun...so in my own head that's not what I do 
:hug:
~Chrissi
Edit: Paula, that's pretty much what I was trying to say! I take forever to type out and proof my posts and you summed it up perfectly for me
Posts: 1,836(I regret having covered Kelly Dean so early in his career, because his work now is much better.)
How 'bout a revisit? Being a newbie I missed the first one and I imagine there would be so much more to cover with. I appreciate and wholeheartedly believe in mentors, wisdom gained, growth within the art, etc...so revisiting those who have succeeded and grown within the industry over the years would be so fantastic. We all can't reach out to this person, so having an article hit those points for all of us to benefit from would be wonderful.
:hug:
~Chrissi
BlondheartWhat an interesting thread. I have tried to read all the posts and I really cannot add to anything other than my support. I too would like to see bear art taken more seriously.
I have been in the bear biz for 8 years and to this day I still have to explain to people what bear art is. I don't like to say I am a "Teddy Bear Artist" but rather "Soft Sculpture Artist". I have had to train my husband to quit telling people I am a 'teddy bear artist'. Teddy bear sounds like a toy to those who are unfamiliar with our work. And we all know how serious this business is to us.
I think all of us are soft sculpture artists with bears often being the main subject. I would certainly like to see more focus on the art angle.
Mindy I think it's great that you come here listen to what so many of us think. It really shows that you are as serious about bear art as we are. Thank you so much for that.
Judi I made a post last night in my blog about art and being taken seriously as an artist and I am going to post it here now so you can read what I said (I am going to post the whole post even though only one paragraph pertains to being taken seriously as an artist), this is how I look at it:
FINDING A HAIR IN AN ARTSTACK
"I read this afternoon that someone was trying to figure out what happened to the Mona Lisa's eyebrows and eyelashes. Apparently they aren't sure if she ever had any or not, and they are trying to find out. I suspect she never had any, it was probably the fashion of the day and gave the appearance of an even higher forhead. I don't really see the problem, Whoopi Goldberg doesn't have any eyebrows and she seems just fine. They also seemed surprised to discover that the sky was a brighter blue and her skin was more of a pink when he originally painted it. Yeah shocker, cause 500 years of oxidation wouldn't change a thing.
I have always been utterly fascinated with Leo. Long since before Dan Brown got ahold of him. I guess I can relate to him on some level because he is an artist with a scientific mind. What irks me a bit is that now all anyone seems to focus on, other than the eyebrow guy, is the painting of the last supper thanks to the Da Vinci Code. I don't know why people put so much stock into it as proof of anything Jesus did. It's not as if Leo was sittin there painting it while they were eating. About 1400 years or so passed in between the main course and Leo's art du jour, so he really had no more information than we have now.
There has been a lot of discussion about art in my realm lately. I am sure Jung would be thrilled to know synchronicity is still alive and well, but I digress. The question discussed today was how we in the bear community could be taken more seriously as artists. I used to joke and say if it costs over $100 it's art. But in truth, I think the first step is to take yourself seriously as an artist. In the beginning I thought of myself as a toy maker, much like Drosselmeyer from the Nutcracker. While I like that fanciful notion, the truth is as I developed my style I also became a true artist. All my works involve unique, original pattern design, shaping and sculpting to turn a two dimentional piece of mohair into a three dimentional work. Painting to accentuate it, and embellishment in a myriad of varieties. I make one of a kind pieces almost exclusively. So, a quarter of a century later, what in there makes me any less of a bonafide artist than a painter or sculpter?
All too often I think we get hung up on labels, and details like looking for Mona's missing eyebrows. We need to simply sit back and enjoy the things that the creative side of people's nature inspires them to bring to life without definition. Art is subjective, it always has been. The mystique of art is it's undefinable nature. When you think about it Drosselmeyer was an artist too, and Mona won't be any less of a work of art whether her eyebrows have faded over the years or if she never had any at all."
Edit: I also want to mention that I agree with Paula too, I LIKE reading articles on artists who make very traditional bears as well as really innovative ones, because I prefer to collect that type of bear. I think the ultimate key to a good magazine is to offer a variety of things that appeal to everyone. I've always read both magazines (and a couple others that have since come and gone) since their very first issues, but I have always preferred one over the other because I think it is just a little classier and better presented. In truth if we really want to support the magazines and make them more interesting so readers will buy them, maybe we need to just step up to the plate ourselves and submit more things for Mindy to choose from, and advertise more. (Which I am planning on doing very soon!) I don't think Mindy is going to be upset if we bombard her with pictures of our work, while she certainly won't use it all, it gives her more to work with.
Tami Eveslage Original Teddy BearsWhilst I really appreciate that we all strive to offer our craft as 'art', I'd like to point out that my craft has evolved from a passion for the original teddy bears, created since the early 1900's. I fell into the business of making and designing bears because of a love for teddy bears in their purest form.
Whilst I think it's wonderful to showcase the teddy bear as an evolved art form, please let's not overlook our proud heritage .. I am proud to make teddy bears and yes, to call them teddy bears, which after all, is what they are.
Paula, I too came into bear making as a Teddy bear lover, and I call my work Teddy Bears and I call my dolls. I agree that the magazines should not trade the variety for only envelope-pushing artist bears.
Personally, I'm more traditional in my tastes so I can look at a childrens' quilt from 1940 and see the "art" in it...it doesn't have to be the modern quilt of today with outrageous colors, shapes, forms, and lack of traditional pattern for me to appreciate it as art. Same goes for the bears.
(Chrissi)
And like Chrissi, I think sometimes it comes to the old impossible to answer question "What is art? Also like Chrissi, I see the art in many things that would not be considered art. My son has tiny figures of knights on horses made by a German company which are sculpted and painted in great detail. Are they art? Well,...no I guess not... in their current reproduced toy form, but no one could convince me that the person who sculpted the original from which this piece was cast was not indeed an artist!
BlondheartYou know what Ellen, that's a great idea too! I know when I am making something I quite often have a little story about it working in my head or am thinking about what inspired me to make that particular piece because that's what brings it to life as I am making it. I rarely include that with the bear, but it's part of the creative process for me.
Tami Eveslage Original Teddy BearsShelli, I could not reply to your PM because your mailbox is full! Please check your email :hug:
Posts: 3,540 Ellen I find that I watch a movie, and then see the 'behind the scenes' and then I go and watch the movie again, and I am in so much AWE over how they pulled off that effect!!! 
It does add depth and meaning to the movie to know what they were shooting for, and acting for, and how hard it was to achieve. Very much the same as your appreciation and depth for the Van Goghs.
KPaws....Kristy, why don't you try to get your pups into a Dog magazine?? I'm sure they are looking for something diverse to add, and a soft sculptured pup is about as diverse as it can get. Can you imagine advertising in a "Dog World" magazine?? Or "Dog Fancy"?? I think you'd be amazed at the response. Same with any cat artists...aim for "Cat Fancy''. I'd be surprised if you didn't have more volume than you could possibly match.
I agree, all in a title, when it comes to creating an image. When I began in a wire sculpting course, it was just that ~ presented as wire sculpting, and not 'wire wrapping'. There is an image and elevation of status that comes from being a 'sculpture' versus a wire wrapper. The two conjure vastly different images and price brackets in the mind. However, for myself, when I am making teddy bears, I AM a teddy bear artist!!! If I were to be creating other animals, I would be an animal soft sculpture artist. There's a huge difference in perceptions, and what you feel comfortable with. No matter what, the 'artist' part should be emphasised.
Teddy Bear and FriendsI always tell people I'm the editor of Teddy Bear and Friends -- an art magazine for adult teddy bear and soft sculpture collectors. They usually ask questions about the number of artists, how much the bears cost, and do I cover "Steef" bears. Most people seem to understand "art" and are politely interested, but a car salesman recently asked if I carry samples with me, as he'd like to see an art bear -- proving right there that he didn't quite get the concept. (Like I'd carry samples in the car...!)
BlondheartI always tell people I'm the editor of Teddy Bear and Friends -- an art magazine for adult teddy bear and soft sculpture collectors. They usually ask questions about the number of artists, how much the bears cost, and do I cover "Steef" bears. Most people seem to understand "art" and are politely interested, but a car salesman recently asked if I carry samples with me, as he'd like to see an art bear -- proving right there that he didn't quite get the concept. (Like I'd carry samples in the car...!)
You mean you don't? :crackup:
Posts: 3,540:crackup: :crackup: :crackup:
